Behavior of RC beams strengthened with inclined CFRP strips

An experimental program was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of inclined CFRP strip usage to ultimate shear capacity. Practical application for the use of mechanical anchorages was also experimentally investigated in this study. According to the objective of the study, six beams except the flexural reference were fabricated with shear deficiency (without internal shear reinforcements). One shear deficient specimen was tested without strengthening to serve as a reference to shear deficiency. Two shear deficient specimens were strengthened with side bonded inclined CFRP strips. Specially developed mechanical anchorage detail and wrapped strip application was carried out for the remaining specimens to experience their effect to shear capacity. CFRP strip arrangement, CFRP wrapping schemes, and the anchorage used to fasten the strips to the concrete were the selected variables of the experimental program. Test results confirmed that all in all an increase in strength was seen in every specimen to which inclined CFRP strips were applied besides no occurrence of delamination; debonding was seen for the specimens with anchorage. To verify the reliability of the tested specimens, experimental results were compared with ACI 440 guideline consumptions.